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Manly should release Matai: says Foran

James MacSmith

Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran has conceded player contractual issues are afflicting the NRL competition leaders and has called for Sea Eagles management to allow centre Steve Matai to make a big money move to the Warriors.

Matai has requested a release from the final year of his current contract with Manly to take up a four-year deal with the Warriors starting next season reported to be worth around $2.5 million.

Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough also reportedly want out of their contracts at Brookvale, with Foran admitting at training on Thursday resentment still runs deep between the playing group and management over their refusal to offer Glenn Stewart a contract extension earlier this year.

Glenn Stewart, 30, has since signed with South Sydney for next year.

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"I guess there are issues to be sorted," Foran said.

"I think the club underestimated Glenn Stewart's departure and we said all along 'Gif' was a massive part of building this culture here and as players we probably felt that he deserved a contract put in front of him.

"I guess all the boys are mates with him and they are probably disappointed.

"I wouldn't say there is disharmony, our results have shown on the field that we are getting on good here.

"But I believe there are issues higher up than just the playing group.

"Whether or not that (the salary cap) was the reason Glenn was forced out I am not so sure."

Foran has also been linked to a move, but the star Kiwi playmaker said he would see out his contract at the club, which ends next year.

However Matai wants out at the end of 2014 and Foran said the club should let him go.

"I think so," he said.

"In Stevie's situation I believe he has taken unders for a lot of years to stay at this club and if he can now set his family up and get a big money contract elsewhere I think the club should assess that."

Foran was confident the internal ructions were not a distraction as Manly push towards their 10th successive finals appearance ahead of their round 20 clash with the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

"It is just about the boys getting on with things and having the best year we can possibly have," he said.

"Everyone is getting on good, it is just a case of there are issues there that need to be sorted."

The Manly board on Wednesday night moved to assure Sea Eagles fans that they "fully supported" the honouring of contracts, publicly stating they won't grant any requests for early releases from the NRL club.